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Degenerative myeloencephalopathy in two llamas

D E Morin1, J G Toenniessen, R A French

  • 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|March 15, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Degenerative myeloencephalopathy (DME) was diagnosed in two llamas, presenting with limb weakness or paralysis. Necropsy revealed spinal cord white matter lesions, indicating DME as the cause of neurological deficits.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Neurology
  • Comparative Pathology
  • Neuropathology

Background:

  • Degenerative myeloencephalopathy (DME) is a poorly understood neurological disorder.
  • Diagnosis in llamas has been challenging due to non-specific clinical signs and normal diagnostic tests.

Observation:

  • Two mature llamas presented with progressive neurological deficits, including ataxia, paresis, and tetraplegia.
  • Clinical examinations, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and routine blood work were largely unremarkable for neurological disease.
  • Diagnostic imaging (radiography, myelography) in one llama yielded normal results.

Findings:

  • Necropsy confirmed bilateral white matter lesions in the spinal cord, most severe in thoracic segments.
  • Key pathological findings included axonal sheath dilatation, axonal swelling/loss, and accumulation of gitter cells.

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  • Degenerate neurons were observed in the brainstem and spinal cord gray matter of affected llamas.

    • Implications:

    • This study characterizes the neuropathology of DME in llamas, aiding future diagnosis.
    • Understanding these lesions is crucial for differentiating DME from other neurological disorders in camelids.
    • Further research into the etiology of llama DME is warranted.